City waives fees and allows storm damage work to begin immediately following historic storm

News Release from Office of the Mayor, Dec 8, 2021

HONOLULU – Mayor Rick Blangiardi and the Department of Planning and Permitting are waiving all permit fees related to emergency work resulting from this week’s Kona Low storm system that ravaged O‘ahu. In addition, residents are able to begin repair work immediately, provided the resident files their building permit application the next working day with the Department of Planning and Permitting.

“Our island community sustained torrential rain of 8-12 inches in a matter of hours, resulting in flood damage and heartache for our neighbors,” said Mayor Rick Blangiardi. “The signed Declaration of Emergency allows the city to expedite the repair and recovery process, while also waiving the permitting fees for those who have already suffered enough of a loss.”

Mayor Blangiardi signed a Declaration of Emergency on Dec. 6, 2021, as heavy rain and flooding from the Kona Low weather system hit O‘ahu.

There have already been 180 reports of residential property damage as of this morning, ranging from minor to destroyed, with the majority of the damage occurring from Pearl City to East O‘ahu.

Home and business owners who have not done so already are asked to submit damage assessment information at the following webpages. The information collected will help determine if additional state and federal resources and assistance can be received.

Residential Damage Self Reporting Tool http://honolulu.gov/homedamage

Business Damage Self Reporting Tool http://honolulu.gov/businessdamage

For more information on permitting and the waiver of fees during disaster situations, please refer to sections 18-3.3 and 18-6.5 of the Revised Ordinances of Honolulu.

—PAU—